Hi Eric,
Many thanks for the info. I checked out the Bintel link you provided, and the first thing that struck me was that I wouldn't have to "cut" my scope to obtain focus.
That was probably the main reason I was hesitatant with going for a newt, that and the weight!. Personally, no way I could get vibration free long exposure shots with that sort of wieght on an EQ5 with my current scope.
If I can get a reasonable 8", with goto, etc, for under a few grand, hell, thats a good deal. A good compromise, visual and photography.
My guess is that field rotation won't be a problem here ?
As for my 10" - if I can actually get the best of both worlds, I'll donate the 10" to the local school. 5 years old, with piting, but, hell, still better than nothing, and perhaps some kids will get the same sense of awe I still get.
The biggest drawback I can see, is like all newts, collimation ( pretty well have that down pat now ), and portability. I intend to leave it in the backyard ( light pollution galore ), but if your not going away for a weekend, or such, the setup time can be exhausting.
Again, many thanks for the info - I was actually looking at an EQ6 mount, and that was going to set me back even more, as for portability - forget it!
My other option is one of the Orion ED series.
Keep those replies rolling in people - the more info, the better my decision.
Cheers
DOC
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